Ferguson recalled for first home game

Experienced batsman Callum Ferguson returns to the West End Redbacks’ Marsh Sheffield Shield squad for the State’s clash with New South Wales beginning Friday at Adelaide Oval.

The 34-year-old is joined by in-form wicketkeeper-batsman Harry Nielsen as the two inclusions for South Australia’s first home Shield fixture of the summer.

Ferguson struck a team-best 91 in the Redbacks’ thrilling Marsh One-Day Cup victory over Queensland at the Gabba last week, while Nielsen was Player of the Match for the Prime Minister’s XI last Thursday with an impressive 79-run performance against Sri Lanka.

The pair replace Australian T20I joint vice-captain Alex Carey and young allrounder Cameron Valente in the Redbacks’ 12-player squad.

Australian T20I squad members Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa were unavailable for Sheffield Shield selection.

Two-time Neil Dansie Medallist Joe Mennie is continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury and is expected to return to first team action through the Marsh One-Day Cup fixtures mid-November.

Play begins from 10:30am local time on Friday at Adelaide Oval with free entry to the public.